March 21, 2018 (Gananoque, ON) - Racial discrimination is never okay but it unfortunately still exists. March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination — a day to bring issues to the forefront and discuss how we all can take action and join together to eliminate racial discrimination.

Educating each other on different cultures and belief systems; taking the time to interact with people from other ethnic groups; and speaking out when you hear or see something that isn’t right were the key points students hit on.

“As long as everyone is included, that’s a big thing. Once there is exclusion, that’s when you see the physical divide and that’s when people start to look at people by their race or their religion,” said Alysha Hachez, Grade 12 student. “If everyone is just one whole group, then we are all just people.”

The rights to equality and non-discrimination are the foundation of human rights law. The Upper Canada District School Board encourages everyone to join together, not just on March 21 but every day throughout the year, to stop racism and ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.